Turns out that the bogs where these plants live and breathe are being strongly affected by nitrogen pollution, which gives the fly-trapping species so many nutrients that they no longer need to hunt as many bugs.

This particular area can be very difficult to achieve the nutrients needed, so that’s why it traps midges and other tasty insects. However, the burning of fossil fuels has increased nitrogen levels resulting in this major change and disturbing the ecosystem.

“If there’s plenty of nitrogen available to their roots, they don’t need to eat as much,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Jonathan Millet.